Ameripen names policy director and general counsel

Ameripen (American Institute for Packaging and the Environment), headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, has appointed Danielle F. Waterfield, Esq., as policy director and general counsel.

Waterfield brings more than two decades of experience advancing sustainable packaging, recycling and materials recovery policy at the state and federal levels. Her expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs, combined with her legal acumen, positions her to guide Ameripen’s advocacy during a pivotal time for packaging policy in the United States, the association says.

“I’m delighted to welcome Danielle to the Ameripen team,” says Lynn Dyer, executive director of Ameripen. “Her depth of experience and proven ability to build consensus will be instrumental as we continue to advocate for responsible, effective packaging policy that supports both sustainability goals and industry innovation.”

Most recently, Waterfield worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she advanced initiatives supporting domestic manufacturing and critical supply chains, including efforts connected to sustainability and materials management. Prior to her federal service, she served as chief policy officer and legal counsel for the Recycled Materials Association (formerly the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries), where she directed legislative, regulatory and legal initiatives that shaped national recycling policy. Her work has demonstrated a commitment to advancing sustainable policy through effective, solutions-oriented approaches that balance environmental priorities with industry needs.

Ameripen says its expanded team will enable it to engage more proactively and provide additional value to its members.

Ameripen says it represents the entire packaging value chain, advocating for responsible packaging policies that drive meaningful progress in packaging sustainability while supporting industry growth and consumer needs. As the leading voice for packaging policy in the United States, Ameripen works with legislators, regulators and stakeholders to develop science-based, data-driven solutions that enhance packaging’s role in product protection and circularity.